Discuss changes in patterns of Opiate Use and Addiction and in social perceptions of opiates in the united states and england in the 19th and 20th Centuries

There has been major shifts in the attitude towards opiates and users over the 19th and 20th Century, from its initial state as a medical issue to the current status as a matter for the legal system. While the actual nature of opiates and their physical effect on the body in the 1800's is the same as today, the political and social climate has undergone vast changes. It is through social perceptions that the concept of 'addiction' is constructed and maneuvered; these perceptions are indiscriminate to the inclusion of racial, economic and political prejudice and is crucial to the understanding of contemporary attitudes towards opiates. The historical evolution of drug prohibition is the primary concern of this paper, examining the political situation of America and Britain in the 1900's, the ramifications of the USA's criminalisation of drugs and Britain's adjacent medicalisation strategies, and the events leading up to the international prominence of a 'war on drugs' today.

United States

United States

Person washing his hands

Drug addiction in the 19th Century was prevalent in both British and American society where opiate usage was copious and widespread by today's standards, mostly unrestricted and unimpeded by social condemnation. Opium was a household product in Britain, used to treat epidemics like cholera, malaria, fever and diarrhea that tormented the country in the 1800's (Booth, 1996). The opium consumption rate rose 2.4% for every year between 1831 and 1859 (ibid), documenting the increasing dependence on it not only to remedy legitimate disease, but ease depression, control children and their appetites, as an intoxicant, and later for its poisonous properties. The latter...

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Changes in opiate use and addiction and in social perceptions of opiates in the USA and England through the 19th and 20th centuries. (2004, June 08). In WriteWork.com. Retrieved 15:10, March 19, 2018, from http://www.writework.com/essay/changes-opiate-use-and-addiction-and-social-perceptions-op

WriteWork contributors. "Changes in opiate use and addiction and in social perceptions of opiates in the USA and England through the 19th and 20th centuries" WriteWork.com. WriteWork.com, 08 June, 2004. Web. 19 Mar. 2018.

WriteWork contributors, "Changes in opiate use and addiction and in social perceptions of opiates in the USA and England through the 19th and 20th centuries," WriteWork.com, http://www.writework.com/essay/changes-opiate-use-and-addiction-and-social-perceptions-op (accessed March 19, 2018)

Reviews of: "Changes in opiate use and addiction and in social perceptions of opiates in the USA and England through the 19th and 20th centuries":

Just wanted to commend you on an excellent essay. It is true that the USA has turned drug addicts in to the most loathsome creatures that walk the planet, and it is this attitude which is prolonging this ridiculous 'drug war'. Without support, there is unemployment, without job means without money, which leads to crime, which leads to a blackmarket which leads to a punitive attitude toward addicts which leads to withdrawal of support.... etc

You highlighted these issues very well and provided a very thorough account of the statutes, laws and attitude shifts in the last 2 centuries. Well done, i'd give you an A

I really liked the abundance of hardcore historical facts and the cited sources.

I was a little disappointed that the article did not live up to sensationalism of the title. While the title is enticing and concise, the essay was at times a little verbose and I had to reread it in parts.

I suggest the closing paragraph is really two paragraphs and should be separated so the final paragraph ties in better with the opening one.

The essay has great potential, I think it just needs some editing. I know how difficult it is to edit my own work and how easy it seems to be to edit someone else's, that's why I haven't yet posted an essay!

5 out of 6 people found this comment useful.

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... Opiate Use and Addiction and in social perceptions of opiates in the united states and england in the 19th and 20th Centuries There has been major shifts in the attitude towards opiates and users over the 19th and 20th Century, from its initial state as a medical issue ...

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